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Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism

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Church History in Plain Language: Fourth Edition

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Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity

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The dramatic autobiography of one of China's dedicated, courageous, and intensely persecuted house church leaders. This is the gripping story of how God took a young, half-starved boy from a poor village in Henan province and placed him on the front line for Jesus, in the face of impossible odds. Instead of focusing on the many miracles or experiences of suffering, however, Yun prefers to focus on the character and beauty of Jesus.

George Whitefield: God’s Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century

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Publisher's Summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace, this is a groundbreaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, the man who stood up to Hitler. A definitive, deeply moving narrative, Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of the monstrous evil that was Nazism.

After discovering the fire of true faith in a Harlem church, Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and became one of the first to speak out against Hitler. As a double agent, he joined the plot to assassinate the Führer and was hanged in Flossenbürg concentration camp at age thirty-nine. Since his death, Bonhoeffer has grown to be one of the most fascinating, complex figures of the twentieth century.

Bonhoeffer presents a profoundly orthodox Christian theologian whose faith led him to boldly confront the greatest evil of the twentieth century and uncovers never-before-revealed facts, including the story of his passionate romance.

I had never heard of Dietrich Bonhoeffer until I listened recently to a Podcast of "Understanding the Times" The Author Eric Metaxas was discussing his new book. The book was an amazing biography of a very special man who lived in Germany during the early part pf the 20th Century. He saw the 1st World War, The Depression, the Wiemar Republic fall and Hitler National Socialist Party take control of Germany.

The author skillfully weavers Dietrich life into the events of the times in a way that makes you feel like you are truly living there. The depth of Dietrich writings are moving and very rich in spiritual and human feeling. He was a theologian who was not able to keep his faith in the seminary but was moved by an invisible hand to live his life in full view. This deep spiritual passion for the truth that he lived out, caused Dietrich to come to a clear theological reason why he was involved in Hitlers assassination. Which was what caused his eventual martyrdom at the hand of the SS.

One really troubling fact that I saw while listening to this book was the similarities to many of the events leading up to Hitlers power and how the world is today. The worldwide church must not make the same mistake that the German Church made or we are bound to repeat history.

I have now purchased Dietrich other book "Discipleship" which he wrote during the war as I am keen to immerse myself into this rich Christ centered life that was Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

PS: The only reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars is because I felt the author went into a little to much detail about places, locations and personal meetings that did not add to the richness of the Biography.

PSS: "The Cross and the Swastika" Is another book that puts a profound prologue to the end of the war and answers the question, "Did any key Nazi repent" ?

This is a great listen for the social history detail of the period and also for following the development of a courageous man's thinking about moral issues: To arrive at nonviolence as a personal philosphy, and yet face circumstances where involvement in a violent plot is the "last resort" solution to a desperate situation becomes a moral choice! For me, Bonhoeffer is the great the icon of the 20th century, with all its moral dilemmas, and this bio does him justice. It also helps in understanding how otherwise good people -- so many of Bonhoeffer's fellow citizens -- slide into and rationalize immoral choices.

I hesistated to download this because I had found Metaxas' Amazing Grace to be a bit rambling and the tone a bit odd, but Bonhoeffer is both a stronger bio and is better narrated.

I'm an adult high school history teacher, and I am always amazed that most students (even those who know great detail of WWII battles etc.) have NEVER heard of Bonhoeffer. I hope this book and the deserved publicity it is getting change that. Nevermind Valhalla - Bonhoeffer's story deserves a Hollywood film all its own.

I have read most of Bonhoffer's work and many, many biographies, and this stands as the best and most comprehensive. Metaxas does a wonderful job of placing Bonhoeffer in his times, showing the many sides of him usually left out or lightly sketched in other books about the great Christian martyr. In the end, the life of Bonhoeffer, so well rendered here, stands as a clarion call to all of us to rise up in our lives and live our faith all the way out. Metaxas' rendering of this great life is a must read.

The question that will continue to haunt humanity in the wake of the incomprehensible evil of Nazi Germany is “How could the churches see what was happening and do nothing to stop the horror?” In this intriguing biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we are given a clear and detailed response. With the use of an exhaustive collection of source materials (highlighted by Bonhoeffer’s letters, sermons, addresses, and prayers) we see how, year by year, an unholy emphasis on church politics, international alliances, and the emphasis on doctrine rather than faithfulness, helped to distract attention from the awful truth of what was happening right on the Church’s doorstep. Bonhoeffer’s life is a study in how an individual is called to live out his most deeply held beliefs.

I became interested in Dietrich Bonhoeffer after plowing through the William Shirer very detailed three-part history of the Nazis, from their quest for power through their rule of Germany ending with its defeat in 1945. The Shirer series provides a detailed account of the role of various Christian denominations with the rise of the Nazis. It's easy to be perplexed by the passive to active consent by many religious leaders to the Nazi genocide of Germans, Slavic Peoples and Jews alike. Eric Metaxes sets the stage for the story of Rev. Bonhoeffer in a chronological factual manner, allowing the reader to sense the tension of the age in the German and International ecclesiastical community as career religious opportunists distinguished themselves apart from men of authentic faith such as Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer's bravery as well as that of fellow co-conspirators to assassinate Hitler is thankfully not over-sold by Metaxes thus making an impression of Bonhoeffer life-lessons highly meaningful in an age of many pretenders to piety

Eric Metaxas has done a wonderful job introducing this man, Bonhoeffer, to a new audience. His style is unassuming that the reader may already know Bonhoeffer. Metaxas transports the reader to be a silent observer of Bonhoeffer's life as it unfolds. The narrators does a great job as well. I listen while running and it makes the time go by fast.

Before reading this book, I had known that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Christian pastor who had been executed by the Gestapo very near the close of World War II. I had not known that he had taken an active part in the German resistance to Hitler (which culminated in the July 20, 1944 attempt on Hitler???s life). The German Resistance was led by group of appalled Germans of high military, government and social rank who had detailed information on the full extent of the Nazi atrocities committed against Jews and other minorities in Poland, Russia, and Germany itself. Bonhoeffer joined the Resistance through social connections, prompted by the information about the Nazi atrocities that he learned from his brother-in-law, a high official in German military intelligence (the ???Abwehr???).

For Bonhoeffer, a brilliant and highly dedicated Christian theologian and pastor, his participation in the Resistance was part of his Christian calling. In the face of the almost unfathomable evils of the Nazi Regime, he concluded it was not enough as a Christian merely to stand aside and refuse obedience to Nazi dogma. Rather, he was called to do whatever he could (and, in his circumstances, he could do a lot) to take down the Regime, including participation in a plan to assassinate Hitler.

The close of the book I found quite moving. Bonhoeffer was slated for execution by the Gestapo on Hitler???s direct order. His final hour was spent in prayer, knowing he was losing all chance for future happiness with his fianc?? and further time with his family, but in full anticipation of a new and blessed life with Christ in Heaven. I found myself moved to prayer as I listened to this account of his death.

Eric Metaxas book on the life of Bonhoeffer is amazing! It's true. It's thorough. It's inspiring. Bonhoeffer was able to overcome Nazism, Liberalism, and Pietism. He embraced a Bartian theology that holds the Bible in highest regard. He believed (and lived) a faith that is IN this world but not OF it. I found myself thinking Bonhoeffer is my hero! A much needed reminder of someone who lived out an evangelical faith in the real world when the world around him didn't. Well Done Metaxas! I thank God for you!

This is a very detailed biography of Bonhoeffer, and a clear insight to past history of Germany that we should now be more mindful of in light of present national and world situations. Its flow is written well enough to keep your interest unless you are not interested in the dangers of the past. This is also inspiring to those caring enough to be informed and take a stand.

I have had Eric Metaxas’ Bonhoeffer moving up in my stack of books to read for just over a year and, well, I should have opened it much sooner. This book about a Lutheran pastor who becomes a part of the Nazi resistance may well affect readers on a number of levels. First, with some reservations, this is a well written biography. It is informative and the reader is engaged in every page. Next, the reader is drawn into theological reflection about the nature of faith and the Christian interpretation of that in particular. These sections will stimulate reflection on the part of readers of all faiths and those rejecting all faith. Finally, I was drawn emotionally into the life and thinking of Bonhoeffer particularly in chapters related to his involvement in the Nazi resistance and ultimate execution. If you don’t want your life and work challenged, pass this biography by. The reading of Malciolm Hilgartner is very good particularly she reading the passages in German..

This biography has come under various degrees of criticism from scholars who accuse Metaxas of hijacking Bonhoeffer for the evangelical cause. They no doubt have a point, but then every side has wanted to claim this remarkable, courageous, ambiguous man as their own. As a card-carrying evangelical I tried to listen with discernment, but nevertheless emerged with a deep sense of gratitude for the life of such an astonishing and inspirational individual. Metaxas is a superb writer, and I found the narration to be excellent. Whatever quibbles one might have about how the author interprets some of the details of Bonhoeffers life and theology, only the hardest heart will fail to be moved by this wonderfully told account.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Anne

CHELMSFORD, United Kingdom

3/7/12

Overall

"Inspiring humbling history, from the other side!"

Having never considered the possibility of Christianity existing in the country which produced the Nazi regime and Hitler, I was totally amazed at this magnificent biography. I was humbled to hear the grief expressed by a German Christian at the horror of Auschwitz, and the virtual annihilation (or attempted), of Jews, Gypsies, disabled people, and many another minority groups. I had, to my disgust, assumed that all Germans were similar to Hitler, in their thoughts, beliefs, and general demeanour. How wrong I was! I suppose because I come from a generation whose parents were affected by the second world war – their parents either fighting against 'the Germans' physically, or widowed because of the war. Because of never studying history from an unbiased perspective, I am ignorant. I am very much aware of the difference between those of Nazi-mentality, many of whom exist today, and those German Christians, many I'm sure exist to this day. I'm very grateful for having my eyes opened. One should never ASSUME anything! Praise the Lord!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Mark

4/16/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Enjoy"

Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed. Long but necessarily so, to do justice to Bonhoeffer and his remarkable and challenging story.Narration very pleasant and easy to listen to.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

J

4/2/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"This story is extraordinary"

This book is detailed and reveals a though telling of Bonhoeffer's life and theology. It is challenging and a worthwhile read.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Charlotte Faint

3/21/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"excellent book"

What made the experience of listening to Bonhoeffer the most enjoyable?

'enjoyable'.. but a really easy to listen to book and deeply thought provoking,

Any additional comments?

if you want an insight into the war and Bonhoeffer - excellent, easy and very difficult to read at the same time. Wasn't graphically horrible, but you get the gist.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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